Revamped market complete

The Public Market has long been one of Rochester’s treasures, with people in search of good deals on fresh fruit, vegetables and more packing the place, especially on Saturday mornings.

The appreciation for the Rochester Public Market has even led to national recognition as the market won the 2010 America’s Favorite Farmers Market contest.

In recent years, the Public Market has taken several steps to serve a wider audience. It participates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, through the Market Token program, with 120 market vendors accepting the tokens. The Public Market also has expanded from its Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday morning schedule to offer nighttime events such as Food Truck Rodeos and Bands on the Bricks.

Given the important role the Public Market fills in our community, it is cause for celebration that its $8.5 million improvement project is complete.

Construction of a new outdoor “D” shed will create an additional 46 spots for vendors, while the new indoor “B” shed replaces a 40-year-old structure and will make shopping more comfortable. The new indoor shed, which opens Saturday, includes state-of-the-art climate controls, restroom facilities for the entire market and bay doors that will allow for an open-air feel in warmer months.

In addition, four individual food stands on the Public Market grounds have been replaced with custom-fabricated repurposed shipping containers.

Mayor Lovely Warren touted the completion of the project at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday: “Investment like this greatly improves our quality of life, supports local businesses and creates jobs, which ultimately leads to safer and more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities for our citizens.”

The Public Market was already a favorite attraction for many Rochester-area residents. These improvements will only add to its appeal and increase opportunities for local businesses to thrive there.